Thoughts and observations through the journey of life.

January 16, 2010

My friend Joel Engle posted a note on Facebook in which he disagreed with the statements by Pat Robertson's comment concerning the reason the earthquake hit Haiti. If you are on Facebook, this link should get you there.

Let me affirm that I do agree with Joel and I disagree with Pat Robertson. I also posted a comment on Joel's update, and it was a bit long. So Joel, apologies for hijacking your note, :), and I will re-post my comment here.

I have found Romans 8:2 - 'the law of sin and death' to be helpful. The wages of sin is death. When Adam and Eve sinned, death and destruction entered this world. Thus we live in a world cursed by sin. Bad stuff happens to both the sinful and the righteous. Christians get killed in earthquakes same as pagans. Thank God for the hope of the Gospel - there is coming a time when God will make all things new (Rev. 21:5). Until then, the whole creation was subjected to futility and groans (Romans 8:18-30).

Indeed God judges sin and sinners. But it is extremely reckless and manipulative, if not stupid, to assign every unexplainable event to God's judgment. That is insurance theology ('act of God'), not Biblical theology.

Tragedies are just that - tragic. Our thoughts, prayers, and assistance are with the nation of Haiti and the Haitian people. Yes, it is reported that over 50% of them practice some form of voodoo. I pray that Christians will so respond with help that these dear people will see something of Jesus and their hearts be opened to hear the Gospel and believe.

I am sure your local church is in a reputable network. If not, here are three that will use every penny you give with wisdom and integrity - here, here, and here.